“I’ve had other things to think about.” She yanked on his arm slightly, urging him more quickly down the path to the beach.
“Well, since we’re both flying solo, maybe we could watch the fireworks together?” He tried hard to keep his voice from sounding too pathetically hopeful.
A half smile curved her lips. “Okay.”
“Okay?” He was a bit surprised. Maybe Larissa was more forgiving than his ex-wife. Camille would hold a grudge for months when Quinn upset her. Making up with Larissa was almost too easy. “That’s great. I have a perfect spot to watch them from. It’ll be fun.”
As they broke out around the guest cottages and the ocean came into full view, Larissa stopped walking. “Wow.”
Wow was right. The clouds were a bright red closest to the sun, fading to different shades of pink and orange. The blue water sparkled in the fading light, looking silver in places. It had been far too long since Quinn stopped to appreciate the wonders of the island he was fortunate enough to call home.
“It’s great,” he agreed.
Her face glowed with excitement. “All this and fireworks? I can see why everyone has been excited about this night for so long. I can’t believe I was going to miss it.”
“It wouldn’t be nearly as nice without you here.”
He hadn’t meant to say that. What wrong with him?
Quinn resumed walking at a quicker pace. “We really should get down there. I’m surprised my family haven’t texted to ask where we are.”
He couldn’t look at Larissa’s face. If she was upset with him for sticking his foot in his mouth again, he didn’t want to see it.
Out on the beach, the portable wooden dance floor had been set up to the left of the buffet and tables and chairs. His family, as always, sat at the largest table, centralized to the other tables so guests and employees could feel free to mingle with the McCallisters.
Quinn’s parents believed good customer relations was the thing that made their family-operated resort such a success. People liked feeling as if they were a part of something special when they visited McCallister’s Paradise. Something they didn’t get at more commercialized resorts was the family touch.
The rest of the family already had their food in front of them by the time Quinn and Larissa made it down the beach. Two empty chairs were open at the end of the table opposite his parents. His sister sat next to them and waved Quinn over.
The smile on her face widened as they approached. “Who’s your date, Quinn? I didn’t even know you were bringing one until Dad said to leave two chairs open together.”
Well, it looked like it was officially a date, whether Larissa wanted it to be one or not.
“Larissa Benner, meet my sister, Sydney McCallister.”
The women shook hands.
“Sydney runs the McCallister charity funds,” Quinn explained. “It’s a big job.”
“That sounds interesting.” Larissa returned Sydney’s smile. “You all have a charity fund that’s a full-time job to manage? You McCallisters must give away a lot of money.”
Sydney tucked light brown hair behind her ears and smiled. “Yeah, it’s a large fund. I’m responsible for going over all the request proposals and deciding where our grants will be allocated each year. It’s rewarding work, making a difference in people’s lives.”
“I’m sure it is,” Larissa said.
Parker, the brother closest to Quinn in age, jumped up from his seat, bumping Quinn out of the way as he took Larissa’s hand and bent over it in a flourishing kiss. “So nice to meet you, lovely lady. I’m Parker. My job isn’t quite so glamorous as Syd’s, but I’m the scuba diving and snorkeling instructor. Maybe you’d like to ride my boat sometime?” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down.
Larissa laughed softly and her cheeks reddened. “Scuba diving sounds fun. I love being on the ocean.”
A thread of jealousy coiled in Quinn’s stomach, and he tried to ignore it. Parker flirted with all the girls. It was just his way. But Quinn didn’t like the sparkle of attraction lurking in Larissa’s eyes. He pushed Parker out of the way, putting his arm around Larissa’s waist. “Larissa’s the newest member of the full-time McCallister family,” he said. “She’s replacing Vanessa.”
“It’s about time that hussy was replaced.” Sydney raised her upper lip in distaste. “That was horrible and almost ruined us. I trust you’re not a little slut like Vanessa?”
“Syd, that’s not cool!” Quinn shook his head at his sister. “Have some respect. Larissa’s a professional, and damn good at her job.”
“Yes, I am certainly a professional,” Larissa agreed. “Your brother made doubly sure of that before hiring me.”
The strain was back in her voice. Damn it. Sydney never did think before she spoke, and now Larissa was uncomfortable again.
Quinn dropped his arm away from Larissa’s waist and glanced at the food line. Most people had already made it through and they wouldn’t have to wait too long. Getting their dinner would give Larissa a chance to compose herself, though, and hopefully become comfortable with him again. “How about we grab dinner? I’m starving.”
With a shrug, Larissa turned and started toward the line, not taking his arm again... not even waiting for him to walk with her.
Quinn glared at his siblings. “She’s a sweet girl who’s had a rough day. You need to make her feel like part of the family.”
“Oh?” Sydney grinned. “You like her. That’s unusual.”
Quinn sputtered for a minute, not sure what to say. “Just be nice. That’s an order.”
Parker and Sydney’s laughter rose above the murmur of conversation as Quinn ran to catch up with Larissa.
Chapter Four
Larissa tried to be friendly throughout dinner. After all, she did just land the job she’d been hoping for. While Parker and Sydney kept up a steady stream of chatter, Quinn had gone broodingly silent as soon as they returned to his family. She wasn’t certain if he was tired of playing host to the new employee and had better things to do than spend the evening with her, or if that was just the way he normally acted.
In comparison, Parker was an absolute charmer. He made conversation easy and seemed pleased to have her as a dinner companion.
“What made you apply for a position here?” Parker asked. “It’s a long trip to and from the continental States out here. A lot of our workers have no family or just love the idea of being in the middle of nowhere for most of the year.”
She shrugged, not wanting to admit what really drove her to apply for the position. “You guys pay great.”
Sydney chuckled. “Having your housing covered is a plus, too.”
Larissa nodded. “And the benefits package. My whole goal upon coming out here was to get the full-time position. I love it here.”
“Good.” Parker winked and brushed his hand against the back of hers. “I’m happy to help welcome a pretty face to the island. Let me know if you get bored some night. Lucky for us you applied.”
On the other side of her, Quinn cleared his throat. “It is lucky for us,” he agreed. “Especially me.”
Surprised, Larissa turned to face him. Earlier in the evening, he had acted like a gentleman, if a bit overbearing, and she’d been trying her best to forgive him for the ‘test’ he gave her. But was that a hint of jealousy in his tone? “What do you mean, Quinn?”
“I need a massage therapist I can count on,” he said, his voice gruff. “Don’t want another scandal.” He stared pointedly at his brother. “Right, Parker?”
It was stupid, but she felt a little let down by his reply. She’d thought maybe he meant he was happy to be with her tonight. Why she’d think that was beyond her. Quinn obviously didn’t think much about relationships. Work seemed to consume him above all else. Heck, he’d already been married and divorced.
For Parker’s part, the younger McCallister laughed away Quinn’s apparent anger. “I thrive on scandal, brother.” He leaned over, brushing a soft kiss agai
nst Larissa’s cheek. “What do you say we hit the dance floor and cause a scandal out there, pretty lady?”
“Um, I’m not sure.” Larissa glanced back to Quinn, trying to gage his reaction. Even though he’d pitched this like an employee/employer gathering, appearing on her doorstep with flowers made it seem more like a date. She couldn’t decide what he wanted.
Quinn shrugged. “Do what you want.”
His voice was no longer a caress against her skin as it had been. He seemed angry. Or maybe he was just bored with her company and his attitude was indifference.
Larissa wiped her mouth with a napkin and then set it in her plate. “All right then. Dancing it is.”
Parker hopped up, taking her hand in his and tugging her out of the chair. “Excellent. It’s not every day I get the first chance at fresh talent.”
A trill of nerves made Larissa tremble slightly and she pulled her hand from his. What did he mean by that? “I don’t think—”
“Not thinking is good.” He winked and tossed sandy hair away from his eyes with a shake of his head. He grabbed her hand again. “Dancing first. Thinking later.”
As Parker led her away from the table, Larissa heard Sydney say something in a sharp tone, but couldn’t make out the words. She hoped that didn’t mean Quinn’s sister was unhappy with her. She didn’t need to make mistakes now that she’d finally gotten her dream job.
***
“What the hell are you doing?” Sydney’s dark eyes were fury-filled, a look Quinn knew all too well. “Parker’s baiting you and you’re letting him. I’m so tired of the way he acts with women, and it’s obvious you’re into Larissa. Go get her back.”
Quinn forced a laugh, though it didn’t mask the bitterness he felt. “She wants to be with Parker, sis. He’s fun and likes to party. That’s not me. Besides, it’s not like I planned to date her or anything. I’m too busy. You know that.”
“What I know is that you sat here like a petulant child in stony silence all through the meal. You’re being an asshole. Larissa’s probably dancing with Parker because she thinks you hate her. You certainly didn’t let her know you were interested.”
Quinn sighed. “I don’t hate her, but I’m pretty sure she hates me. I never told you what Dad had me do to make sure Larissa was the right woman for the job.”
He quickly described the situation in the massage parlor, and Sydney’s mouth hung open the entire time.
“Well holy shit,” she said when he finished. “What kind of an idiot are you?”
Quinn leaned back and crossed his arms, tired of her judgment. “I followed orders.”
“Since when do you do that?” she challenged. “You do have a brain, right?”
Quinn ran a hand through his hair, knowing she was right. He shouldn’t have done it. He should have found another way to make sure Larissa wouldn’t do the things Vanessa had done. “I didn’t think I’d end up liking her. I figured if she passed the test, Dad would offer the job and that would be the end of it. I thought I’d never see her again. He’s the one who liked her so much. I don’t know why he insisted I offer the job myself and bring her to dinner.”
Sydney turned toward their parents, who were involved in a rowdy discussion full of laughter with several people who worked on the island. “Maybe he knows you better than you know yourself,” she said softly.
“What does that mean?”
“It means you need to get off your ass, go out there, cut in, and get your girl, you freaking idiot!”
Quinn gazed at the dance floor. People were thick on it, all having fun, but he caught a glimpse of Larissa’s white sundress. She laughed at something Parker said, patting his arm, and then resting her head against his shoulder.
Jumping up from the table, Quinn told himself it wasn’t jealousy that made his insides burn. “He can have her. I don’t have time for this bullshit. I’m going home.”
He stalked toward his hotel.
Behind him, Sydney yelled, “Come back, Quinn. You’ll miss the fireworks.”
Yeah, right. Like he wanted to watch them now. It would just remind him that he blew his chance with Larissa. She’d probably already made plans to watch the display with Parker. It was clear that she liked him.
Time to get back to reality and back to work. He had supply orders to approve in the morning and unit inspections to do once guests checked out. He didn’t have time for jealousy.
***
Parker was a blast to hang out with and kept her laughing, but Larissa was worried about Quinn. He hadn’t seemed to want to dance with her, and she wasn’t sure if that meant he was tired of her company or if something else was going on. Still, they had agreed to watch the fireworks together, and she didn’t feel right about not checking if he still wanted to do that. She certainly wanted to watch them with him.
“Parker, I need to get back to Quinn. I’m tired of dancing, and it’s pretty dark. Will the fireworks start soon?”
“You’re watching the fireworks with Quinn? Hmmm... that’s unfortunate. They’d be a lot more fun with me.” Parker winked. “I know how to make things exciting.”
Larissa laughed, pushing his shoulder as she turned toward the tables. “I’m sure you do, but I’m not interested in that sort of excitement.”
Parker jogged up beside her, pouting out his lower lip. “You sure? Quinn’s a stick in the mud. And we could have a good time. Nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen, I promise.”
While the younger brother might lay it on a little thick, he was a nice guy. If Quinn hadn’t brought her to the party, she’d probably be quite content to watch the display with Parker. Quinn was intense and serious. Parker was flirty and fun. The men couldn’t be more different, and Larissa was torn.
“Quinn invited me,” she said after a short pause. “I’m sorry, Parker. I really enjoyed dancing with you, but...”
“Eh.” He shrugged. “Win some, lose some. If you have your heart set on my stuffy older brother, you won’t mind if I go find an accommodating wench to watch the show with, will you?”
Apparently she’d wasted as much of Parker McCallister’s time as he would allow if he was getting nothing in return at the end of the night. “Whoever she is, she’s a lucky girl.” Larissa grinned. “Have fun.”
Parker dashed back to the dance floor, and Larissa was unsurprised when he quickly had a pretty blonde partner who Larissa remembered seeing working in the housekeeping department. He wasn’t in any danger of spending his evening alone.
Shaking her head, she turned back to the table.
Sydney sat alone, staring at the ocean.
“Where’s Quinn?” Larissa asked, taking the chair next to Quinn’s sister.
Sydney raised her eyebrows without turning to look at her. “Now you’re worried about Quinn? You’ve been gone a half hour.”
Uh oh. Was dancing with Parker another of Quinn’s tests? Larissa started to feel bad for a few seconds, but then slapped the table as the day’s frustrations overcame her. “If Quinn didn’t want me to dance with Parker, why didn’t he say so? I asked him what he wanted me to do.”
“Parker’s a flirt who has stolen away more than one of Quinn’s girlfriends, and Quinn would rather hide out in his office than admit he might have a vulnerable side.” Sydney rubbed at her temples, looking as if she had a headache. “Idiots, the whole group of them. Do you know how hard it is to be the only girl with four brothers?”
Trying not to examine too closely being thrown in the same group as Quinn’s girlfriends, she decided to focus on the last half of Sydney’s statement. “There are more than Quinn and Parker?”
“Yep. My younger brothers, Brad and Shane. They’re out partying with their friends, but I’m sure you’ll meet them sometime. Watch out, though. Brad has more of a rivalry with Quinn than Parker does.”
The sounds of the other partygoers surrounded them, but silence stretched out between the two women. Larissa didn’t know what to say, really. She hadn’t meant to fl
are up any sort of sibling rivalry with the men, but Quinn hadn’t acted like he wanted her there.
She sighed, frustrated for feeling guilty. “Do you think I hurt his feelings?”
Sydney snorted. “Quinn’s feelings don’t get hurt. I told you, he hides.”
“Where is he? I should apologize. I didn’t know whether or not this was a date or if he was introducing me around because your dad made him or what, exactly.”
“Hmmm...” Sydney frowned. “He’s usually pretty forward about what he wants. He didn’t say it was a date?”
Larissa shook her head.
“Did he bring you flowers or compliment your dress, anything?”
“Well, yes.”
Sydney nodded. “Thought so.”
“W—wait. That meant it was a date?” she stammered. “I didn’t know.”
“Forget it, Larissa. By the time morning rolls around, Quinn will have forgotten all about you.” Sydney stood, waving at someone out by the water. “It’s nice to have you on staff and was great to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Sydney walked away as though she couldn’t leave fast enough.
Laying her head onto the table cradled in her arms, Larissa suddenly felt very tired. It had been one hell of a day, and now she’d pissed off at least two people who had sway over whether or not she kept her job.
She should probably try to find Janie, but it would be better to just head back to her room and go to sleep. The night was ruined. Besides, Janie had probably snuggled up with her man of the night by now.
The fireworks started while Larissa trudged up the beach path, lighting the sky above her. It was definitely a big display, as promised. If Quinn had just admitted they were on a date instead of being so infuriatingly silent, it sure could have been romantic.
Chapter Five
A week later, Quinn poured over the supplies files, checking the reports from his hotel management staff and matching them to the items he planned to order. It seemed as though more lamps had been broken and linens ruined by this year’s batch of partiers than ever before. However, that also had to do with the increased number of guests. The more McCallister’s Paradise grew, the better. Profits had exceeded expenses by a significant margin during the first three quarters of this year, and Quinn hoped that fact hadn’t gone unnoticed by his father.
Happy Endings Page 3